Telehealth Bills Under Medicare: What You May Owe

Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services, and Medicare.gov says that through December 31, 2027, you can get them from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. For a covered telehealth visit, you usually pay the same as for an in-person visit: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your provider's services after the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. Telehealth can include video visits, some audio-only calls, e-visits through a patient portal, and short virtual check-ins.

What counts as telehealth under Medicare?

Medicare.gov describes telehealth as medical or health services you get from a provider who's somewhere else, using audio and video technology, or audio-only communication in some cases, like your phone or computer.

Medicare.gov lists several ways you might talk with your provider:

• Telehealth visits by video, or sometimes by phone.
• E-visits: non-face-to-face messages, usually through an online patient portal.
• Virtual check-ins: brief, real-time conversations, usually 10 minutes or less.

Can I get telehealth at home?

Medicare.gov says that through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. It also gives the example that you may be able to get some services from home no matter where you live.

Rules can change after that date. Check Medicare.gov's telehealth page for updates.

What do I pay for telehealth?

Medicare.gov says that after you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's or other provider's services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set the 2026 Part B deductible at $283.

Medigap may pay some or all of your 20%. Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra telehealth benefits, with their own copays. Check your plan.

Why did I get a bill for a short phone call or message?

People are sometimes surprised to see a charge for:

• A portal message (e-visit). If your provider answered a medical question through the portal, it may be billed as an e-visit.
• A virtual check-in. A short call to decide whether you need to come in may be billed.
• A phone visit that replaced an office visit.

These services can have coinsurance, just like other Part B services. If you didn't expect a charge, ask the office how it bills these.

How do I check a telehealth bill?

1. Find the claim on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or your plan's Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Check the provider, date, and service.
2. Confirm the visit happened. Telehealth bills for visits you didn't have can be a sign of fraud. Report those to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or your Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468.
3. Compare the amount you owe with the "maximum you may be billed" on your MSN.
4. Check that Medigap paid, if you have it.
5. Ask about any "technology" or "convenience" fees. Ask what they're for and whether Medicare was billed.

Is telehealth a target for fraud?

Any service billed without a face-to-face visit can be misused. Watch for:

• Calls from people offering "free" tests or equipment after a short phone conversation.
• Claims on your MSN from telehealth companies you've never used.
• Bills for genetic tests or braces you didn't ask for.

Never give your Medicare Number to someone who calls you out of the blue.

How do I get ready for a telehealth visit?

A little preparation can help the visit go smoothly and keep billing clear:

• Ask the office ahead of time whether the visit will be by video or phone, and whether it will be billed like an office visit.
• Have your medication list, recent readings (like blood pressure or blood sugar), and your questions written down.
• Find a quiet spot with good light and a charged device.
• If a family member is helping, tell the office who will be on the call.
• Write down the date, time, and who you spoke with. This makes it easier to match the visit to your Medicare Summary Notice later.

Can a family member join a telehealth visit?

Yes, if you want them there. Some people find it helpful to have an adult child or caregiver on the call to take notes. The provider may ask you to confirm out loud that it's okay to discuss your health with them present.

What should I say when I call?

"I see a charge for a telehealth service on [date]. Was this a video visit, a phone call, or a portal message? Was it billed to Medicare, and what's my share? If it was a short message, can you tell me why it was billed as a visit?"

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover telehealth at home in 2026?

Yes. Medicare.gov says that through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your home.

What do I pay for a Medicare telehealth visit?

After the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Can I be billed for a patient portal message?

Yes. Medicare.gov lists e-visits through a patient portal as a way to communicate with providers, and they can be billed.

Does Medicare cover phone-only visits?

Medicare.gov says telehealth uses audio and video, or audio-only communication in some cases. Ask your provider what applies to you.

Want help checking telehealth charges?

Bill Review Coach is a monthly medical bill review service for seniors and their families. Snap a photo of your bill and Medicare notice, and we'll tell you whether the telehealth charges look right and what to ask the office. You make the calls and write the emails; we help you know what to say.